Ireland is a country that doesn’t like change. We as a nation like to stick with the familiar as well as the tried and tested.
So, it can be very hard to introduce a new brand to the Irish market, let alone make a success of that product. The quality of that product has to be top notch in order for it to succeed.
This is certainly the case in the farming industry as farmers are notorious for sticking with what they know best.
For any main dealer to try to introduce a new product or machine on the market, they have to earn the trust of their customers.
Credit must go to Dublin based Plant Systems Ltd who have gone against the grain and introduced new products to the farming market here in Ireland.
Plant Systems Ltd are main dealers for the Lindner Tractor Range, Scanstone Products & Parts, Atzlinger Airbrake and Stemplinger Front Linkages, while they have a full range of agri machinery.
Plant Systems is run by Tommy, Darren and Shane Plant, who formerly worked at Derek Plant Farm Machinery. The new company was formed in 2010.
Situated near Balrothery in Dublin, this family run business has worked hard to impress their products on the Irish market.
Lindner is one of the few remaining family-owned tractor manufacturers and is already increasing its market share in central European countries.
Lindner is famous for producing tractors and transporters used in mountain and pasture agriculture, forestry, vineyards and local government since 1948.
Darren explained why they chose Lindner: “I began talking to Lindner a few years ago. It boiled down to quality. I wouldn’t want to put my name to just anything. It would have to fit a certain business model we would like to have going forward. Quality and reliability are very important. You are what you sell.
“We look after our own area and also have dealers to cover the rest of the country,” he said. “People buy from people they know so someone from Kerry or Donegal mightn’t necessarily know me but would have a relationship with their local dealer.”
The operator’s environment is also important: “The cab is very important. It’s where you sit and where you work. Tractors on the outside can look pretty, but it has got to be well laid out and well-presented inside the cab for ease of use. The Lindner products are.”
Geotrac tractors, the novel CVT Lintrac model and Unitrac transporters – some of which were new or updated for 2017 are the brands produced.
Plant Systems also holds the agency for Ag Leader precision farming technology and Scanstone soil preparation equipment.
The ScanStone product range is a durable range of soil preparation equipment. The ScanStone product portfolio includes the acclaimed 4215W Multiweb and the ground-breaking 4215S Star and Web range of stone and clod separators.
These new separators incorporated many unique features and have provided the stepping stone to further new advances in soil separation.
As stated, Plant Systems are main importers of Ag Leader equipment. For 25 years now, Ag Leader has been producing high quality, innovative precision agriculture tools that improve decision making, efficiency and solve agronomic challenges around the globe.
Ag Leader is defiantly independent, and committed solely to helping growers better their quality of life and address agronomic issues through precision farming solutions.
Darren revealed that sales have increased year on year as farmers come to realise that their products are as good if not better than what was already on the market.
“It is not easy change the mindset of people. They like to stick with what they know, but we’ve now got a good following and sales are increasing year on year.”
Darren added that they have received positive feedback from showcasing their products at agricultural shows around the country.
“We have got great feedback from the likes of the ploughing championship and shows in Tullamore, Pilltown and Millstreet. They are quality products and farmers can see that when they machinery is in operation at the shows.”
Plant Systems Ltd possess machinery for all season as there are always new challenges and this is where they are here to help.
There is no doubt that the Plant family are all working for a greater goal and that is to be a market leader. To this end, they are certainly heading in the right direction.
“We are pleased with the way the business is going. As I said, our sales have improved year on year. People are beginning to trust the brands and they can see that we are selling reliable products.
“We offer a very good back up service, while we offer a service on all brands of machinery. Hopefully, we can build on that for the rest of the year.”
Contact Details
Plant Systems Ltd
Unit 2 Kellys Business Park,
Balrothery,
Balbriggan,
Co. Dublin
K32 CR27
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 5 No 5, July/August 2017
